The reasoning in Jiang Chen's words was indeed cogent.
Should Fang Yuan proceed to tend to Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing with the Soul Embodying Ring, wouldn't this amount to a frank admission that Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning were in his company?
In such an instance, irrespective of how obtuse Ji Mingxiu and his companions might be, they would inevitably deduce the peculiar state of Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning.
The certainty that no one would harbor unsuitable malevolent intentions due to this was simply non-existent!
In this context, Fang Yuan was incapable of uncovering any faults in Jiang Chen's contention.
Nonetheless, there was still an inexplicable sense of unease about Jiang Chen in Fang Yuan's mind.
"Hmph!"
"Your arguments do hold water!"
"But you had solemnly assured earlier that you would not disclose the presence of Senior Nangong and Senior Shangguan!"
"It hasn't been much time, and you've already breached their confidentiality!"
"Even though you have not divulged the condition of Senior Nangong and Senior Shangguan, you've inevitably subjected them to immense risk!"
"Jiang Chen, your duplicity is nothing short of scandalous!"
Beginning with a frosty snort, Fang Yuan's tone escalated in agitation as he proceeded, culminating in an outright roar!
This vehement outcry offered a momentary release from the oppressive feeling constricting his heart.
At this juncture.
"I confess, I erred in revealing the presence of the two seniors without their permission and in making unwarranted promises to Ji Mingxiu."
Jiang Chen lowered his head in a gesture of contrition.
Yet, offering an apology cost him little.
After all, he was not the protagonist of the tale.
Merely a villain who lived with the daily uncertainty of survival.
"Heh!"
Hearing Jiang Chen's remorseful words, a cold laugh immediately escaped from Fang Yuan.
However, before he could utter a word.
"I am acutely conscious of my transgressions and harbor deep regret."
Jiang Chen resumed, "Thus, I hope this Heavenly Pearl Soul Nourishing Pill can serve as a token of my penance for my errors."
With this, he produced the Heavenly Pearl Soul Nourishing Pill, which he had readied earlier, uncapped the vial, and presented it before Fang Yuan.
To be exact, it was offered in full view of Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning.
"This is!"
The sight of the Heavenly Pearl Soul Nourishing Pill, unveiled by Jiang Chen, elicited an immediate change in Fang Yuan's countenance.
Although he couldn't identify the pill, its extraordinary nature was undeniably apparent to him.
Merely inhaling the pill's fragrance invigorated him, sharpening his senses, brightening his eyes, and even stimulating a heightened state of mental alertness.
"Heavenly Pearl Soul Nourishing Pill!"
"It's actually a Heavenly Pearl Soul Nourishing Pill! And it's of top-grade quality no less!"
"I didn't anticipate your possession of such a potent pill. It's truly a revelation."
Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning instantly recognized the Heavenly Pearl Soul Nourishing Pill.
Indeed, they were formidable entities who had ascended to the Void Tribulation realm.
The Heavenly Pearl Soul Nourishing Pill held the reputation of being the premier soul-nourishing pill within the Inquiring Journey realm.
Even within the Dao Comprehension realm, its efficacy was pronounced.
Moreover, due to the rarity of its components and its unique refining method, it boasted a value surpassing that of certain pills within the Dao Comprehension realm.
While in the past, they would have disregarded such lower realm pills.
Given their current constrained circumstances, the presence of a top-grade quality Heavenly Pearl Soul Nourishing Pill was an unexpected boon for them.
At that moment, Fang Yuan discerned the surprised and astonished reactions from Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, which instantly stirred discomfort within him.
"Jiang Chen!"
"Don't assume that a single pill can absolve you of your transgressions!"
An expression of discontent creased his face as he said, "You must understand that your disclosure of Senior Nangong and Senior Shangguan's existence has exposed them to imminent mortal peril!"
"This..."
"But I couldn't just remain idle and watch them perish."
"I couldn't bear to witness Junior Sister Ruxue and Junior Sister Xiaojing succumb to the corruptive influence of the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi, ultimately spiraling into insanity."
A flicker of earnest distress appeared on Jiang Chen's remorse-stricken face, "Such a fate would be even more tormenting than death for them!"
As these words were articulated, a surge of indignation welled up again in Fang Yuan's heart.
The familiarity with which Jiang Chen referred to Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing was outright infuriating!
Furthermore, Jiang Chen's words painted Fang Yuan as seemingly indifferent to the plight of others.
Fang Yuan's lips quivered, bracing himself to contrive a rebuttal to Jiang Chen.
However.
"Junior Brother Fang Yuan."
"I was under the impression that we shared the same sentiments."
"I initially believed that you would join me in seeking the two seniors' assistance..."
Jiang Chen's eyes widened, his gaze rested on Fang Yuan, his countenance was one of profound sadness, and his voice brimmed with disbelief.
"No, Jiang Chen, hold your tongue!"
"I wouldn't stand by idly while Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing succumb to the corrupting influence of the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi. I'm not that kind of individual! I simply am not!"
Faced with the imminent prospect of being branded as someone who remained indifferent to others' suffering, Fang Yuan was quick to refute the claim.
Promptly.
"I knew I wasn't mistaken about you!"
"Earlier, I presumed that you would not remain indifferent, and you would surely implore Senior Sisters Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning to intercede!"
"Since Senior Sisters Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning were poised to intervene, that's why I made such a decision and pledged my word to Ji Mingxiu."
"Furthermore, this course of action, though revealing the existence of the two seniors, wouldn't insinuate their association with you, much less expose their current condition."
A sigh of relief escaped Jiang Chen, and a knowing smile graced his visage.
"This, this..."
After digesting Jiang Chen's assertions, Fang Yuan's expression subtly shifted, but he was at a loss for words.
Now, not only was Jiang Chen free from blame, but he also seemed to have rendered a commendable service!
Otherwise, had he, Fang Yuan, directly sought the intervention of Senior Sisters Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, it would not only expose their presence but might also betray their current state.
Now, Jiang Chen had successfully sidestepped the latter.
This was the course of action that posed the least risk to Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, while simultaneously ensuring the rescue of Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing.
Perhaps, there might not be any significant drawbacks at all.
After all, Jiang Chen had openly proclaimed that Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning were mighty entities who had ascended to the pinnacle of the Third Step - the Void Tribulation realm.
Without knowledge of their conditions, people would only revere them.
Furthermore, Jiang Chen had also offered the top-grade Inquiring Journey pill, the Heavenly Pearl Soul Nourishing Pill, as a gesture of amends!
In this manner, Jiang Chen was utterly beyond reproach.
At this moment.
"Jiang Chen."
Shangguan Ning spoke in an approving tone, "You demonstrate kindness and righteousness, embody courage and strategy, your actions are commendable!"
"Mm."
"Considering the dire circumstances."
Nangong Wan also voiced her praise, "Indeed, Jiang Chen has done his utmost to mitigate all possible risks."
[Ding! You have successfully improved the unpursued Heroine Nangong Wan's impression of you, while simultaneously diminishing her impression of the protagonist Fang Yuan. The Heavenly Fate Value of the protagonist Fang Yuan has decreased by 600 points!]
[Ding! You have successfully improved the unpursued Heroine Shangguan Ning's impression of you, while simultaneously diminishing her impression of the protagonist Fang Yuan. The Heavenly Fate Value of the protagonist Fang Yuan has decreased by 600 points!]
[Ding! You have marginally distressed the mental state of the protagonist Fang Yuan. His Heavenly Fate Value has decreased by 300 points!]
[Ding! You have accumulated 3000 points of Villain Value!]
The sound of four system notifications echoed in Jiang Chen's mind, igniting a spark of jubilation in his heart.
Simultaneously, he directed his gaze towards Fang Yuan.
But what he saw was Fang Yuan's visage contorted in an awkward, forced smile, looking more distasteful than if he had ingested something repugnant.
Fang Yuan had initially planned to seize this opportunity to foster discord between Nangong Wan, Shangguan Ning, and Jiang Chen.
However, he never anticipated.
In the end, it was Jiang Chen who received laudations from Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning!
And him, Fang Yuan, his performance during this discourse was utterly foolish and trivial, nothing short of a calamity!
A note from AlphaWIA:
Get early access to (+75) more chapters by joining my Patreon.
Can't join Patreon? No worries! Help spread the word about my work instead. Every share makes a big difference. Thanks for your support!
The reasoning in Jiang Chen's words was indeed cogent.
Should Fang Yuan proceed to tend to Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing with the Soul Embodying Ring, wouldn't this amount to a frank admission that Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning were in his company?
In such an instance, irrespective of how obtuse Ji Mingxiu and his companions might be, they would inevitably deduce the peculiar state of Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning.
The certainty that no one would harbor unsuitable malevolent intentions due to this was simply non-existent!
In this context, Fang Yuan was incapable of uncovering any faults in Jiang Chen's contention.
Nonetheless, there was still an inexplicable sense of unease about Jiang Chen in Fang Yuan's mind.
"Hmph!"
"Your arguments do hold water!"
"But you had solemnly assured earlier that you would not disclose the presence of Senior Nangong and Senior Shangguan!"
"It hasn't been much time, and you've already breached their confidentiality!"
"Even though you have not divulged the condition of Senior Nangong and Senior Shangguan, you've inevitably subjected them to immense risk!"
"Jiang Chen, your duplicity is nothing short of scandalous!"
Beginning with a frosty snort, Fang Yuan's tone escalated in agitation as he proceeded, culminating in an outright roar!
This vehement outcry offered a momentary release from the oppressive feeling constricting his heart.
At this juncture.
"I confess, I erred in revealing the presence of the two seniors without their permission and in making unwarranted promises to Ji Mingxiu."
Jiang Chen lowered his head in a gesture of contrition.
Yet, offering an apology cost him little.
After all, he was not the protagonist of the tale.
Merely a villain who lived with the daily uncertainty of survival.
"Heh!"
Hearing Jiang Chen's remorseful words, a cold laugh immediately escaped from Fang Yuan.
However, before he could utter a word.
"I am acutely conscious of my transgressions and harbor deep regret."
Jiang Chen resumed, "Thus, I hope this Heavenly Pearl Soul Nourishing Pill can serve as a token of my penance for my errors."
With this, he produced the Heavenly Pearl Soul Nourishing Pill, which he had readied earlier, uncapped the vial, and presented it before Fang Yuan.
To be exact, it was offered in full view of Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning.
"This is!"
The sight of the Heavenly Pearl Soul Nourishing Pill, unveiled by Jiang Chen, elicited an immediate change in Fang Yuan's countenance.
Although he couldn't identify the pill, its extraordinary nature was undeniably apparent to him.
Merely inhaling the pill's fragrance invigorated him, sharpening his senses, brightening his eyes, and even stimulating a heightened state of mental alertness.
"Heavenly Pearl Soul Nourishing Pill!"
"It's actually a Heavenly Pearl Soul Nourishing Pill! And it's of top-grade quality no less!"
"I didn't anticipate your possession of such a potent pill. It's truly a revelation."
Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning instantly recognized the Heavenly Pearl Soul Nourishing Pill.
Indeed, they were formidable entities who had ascended to the Void Tribulation realm.
The Heavenly Pearl Soul Nourishing Pill held the reputation of being the premier soul-nourishing pill within the Inquiring Journey realm.
Even within the Dao Comprehension realm, its efficacy was pronounced.
Moreover, due to the rarity of its components and its unique refining method, it boasted a value surpassing that of certain pills within the Dao Comprehension realm.
While in the past, they would have disregarded such lower realm pills.
Given their current constrained circumstances, the presence of a top-grade quality Heavenly Pearl Soul Nourishing Pill was an unexpected boon for them.
At that moment, Fang Yuan discerned the surprised and astonished reactions from Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, which instantly stirred discomfort within him.
"Jiang Chen!"
"Don't assume that a single pill can absolve you of your transgressions!"
An expression of discontent creased his face as he said, "You must understand that your disclosure of Senior Nangong and Senior Shangguan's existence has exposed them to imminent mortal peril!"
"This..."
"But I couldn't just remain idle and watch them perish."
"I couldn't bear to witness Junior Sister Ruxue and Junior Sister Xiaojing succumb to the corruptive influence of the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi, ultimately spiraling into insanity."
A flicker of earnest distress appeared on Jiang Chen's remorse-stricken face, "Such a fate would be even more tormenting than death for them!"
As these words were articulated, a surge of indignation welled up again in Fang Yuan's heart.
The familiarity with which Jiang Chen referred to Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing was outright infuriating!
Furthermore, Jiang Chen's words painted Fang Yuan as seemingly indifferent to the plight of others.
Fang Yuan's lips quivered, bracing himself to contrive a rebuttal to Jiang Chen.
However.
"Junior Brother Fang Yuan."
"I was under the impression that we shared the same sentiments."
"I initially believed that you would join me in seeking the two seniors' assistance..."
Jiang Chen's eyes widened, his gaze rested on Fang Yuan, his countenance was one of profound sadness, and his voice brimmed with disbelief.
"No, Jiang Chen, hold your tongue!"
"I wouldn't stand by idly while Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing succumb to the corrupting influence of the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi. I'm not that kind of individual! I simply am not!"
Faced with the imminent prospect of being branded as someone who remained indifferent to others' suffering, Fang Yuan was quick to refute the claim.
Promptly.
"I knew I wasn't mistaken about you!"
"Earlier, I presumed that you would not remain indifferent, and you would surely implore Senior Sisters Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning to intercede!"
"Since Senior Sisters Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning were poised to intervene, that's why I made such a decision and pledged my word to Ji Mingxiu."
"Furthermore, this course of action, though revealing the existence of the two seniors, wouldn't insinuate their association with you, much less expose their current condition."
A sigh of relief escaped Jiang Chen, and a knowing smile graced his visage.
"This, this..."
After digesting Jiang Chen's assertions, Fang Yuan's expression subtly shifted, but he was at a loss for words.
Now, not only was Jiang Chen free from blame, but he also seemed to have rendered a commendable service!
Otherwise, had he, Fang Yuan, directly sought the intervention of Senior Sisters Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, it would not only expose their presence but might also betray their current state.
Now, Jiang Chen had successfully sidestepped the latter.
This was the course of action that posed the least risk to Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, while simultaneously ensuring the rescue of Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing.
Perhaps, there might not be any significant drawbacks at all.
After all, Jiang Chen had openly proclaimed that Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning were mighty entities who had ascended to the pinnacle of the Third Step - the Void Tribulation realm.
Without knowledge of their conditions, people would only revere them.
Furthermore, Jiang Chen had also offered the top-grade Inquiring Journey pill, the Heavenly Pearl Soul Nourishing Pill, as a gesture of amends!
In this manner, Jiang Chen was utterly beyond reproach.
At this moment.
"Jiang Chen."
Shangguan Ning spoke in an approving tone, "You demonstrate kindness and righteousness, embody courage and strategy, your actions are commendable!"
"Mm."
"Considering the dire circumstances."
Nangong Wan also voiced her praise, "Indeed, Jiang Chen has done his utmost to mitigate all possible risks."
[Ding! You have successfully improved the unpursued Heroine Nangong Wan's impression of you, while simultaneously diminishing her impression of the protagonist Fang Yuan. The Heavenly Fate Value of the protagonist Fang Yuan has decreased by 600 points!]
[Ding! You have successfully improved the unpursued Heroine Shangguan Ning's impression of you, while simultaneously diminishing her impression of the protagonist Fang Yuan. The Heavenly Fate Value of the protagonist Fang Yuan has decreased by 600 points!]
[Ding! You have marginally distressed the mental state of the protagonist Fang Yuan. His Heavenly Fate Value has decreased by 300 points!]
[Ding! You have accumulated 3000 points of Villain Value!]
The sound of four system notifications echoed in Jiang Chen's mind, igniting a spark of jubilation in his heart.
Simultaneously, he directed his gaze towards Fang Yuan.
But what he saw was Fang Yuan's visage contorted in an awkward, forced smile, looking more distasteful than if he had ingested something repugnant.
Fang Yuan had initially planned to seize this opportunity to foster discord between Nangong Wan, Shangguan Ning, and Jiang Chen.
However, he never anticipated.
In the end, it was Jiang Chen who received laudations from Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning!
And him, Fang Yuan, his performance during this discourse was utterly foolish and trivial, nothing short of a calamity!
A note from AlphaWIA:
Get early access to (+75) more chapters by joining my Patreon.
Can't join Patreon? No worries! Help spread the word about my work instead. Every share makes a big difference. Thanks for your support!
